We’re moving right into the holiday season, and there are plenty of special events and festivals tailored for this time of year.

A new ice rink will be opening at Symphony Park in south Charlotte. On Friday night, Joseline Hernandez from Love and Hip Hop Atlanta will be making a club appearance at Crystal On The Plaza. And if reality TV isn’t your cup of tea, you join comedian Loni Love as she hosts a open-mic competition at Stats with a $500 grand prize.

There is plenty to do this weekend, so without further ado, here are your lucky 21.

Fall FestSaturday @ Discovery Place Nature | 1658 Sterling Dr. | 9 a.m.
Celebrate the wonderful season of autumn at Discovery Place Nature! Join us for fall crafts, animal encounters and hands-on fun. Try autumn leaf crafts, including leaf rubbings and painting with pine cones. Meet and greet some live animals you can find right in your backyard and learn all about what they’re up to in autumn. More info

Brush n’ BeatsFriday @ Charlotte Art League | 1517 Camden Rd. | 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Join the Art League for an evening of Music, Laughter and Art, Friday November 17 at the Charlotte Art League! Purchase your canvas upon arrival ($5-$12) and the rest of the supplies are free! More info

Preserving Us: A Photographic Preservation WorkshopSaturday @ Levine Museum of the New South | 200 E 7th St. | 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
At this workshop participants will receive practical tips in preserving family & community photographs. There will be FREE scanning available at each location. Community members can bring 10-20 photos to share at the workshops. Entertainment provided by QC Family Tree. More info

As Far as the Eye Can See (Preview)Saturday @ Hickory Grove Recreation Center | 6709 Pence Rd. | 2 p.m.
Come and enjoy a third season of original stage productions from the Glorious Performing Team theatre company. Dedicated to providing a performing venue for community youth, GPT Theatre presents a sneak preview of As Far as the Eye Can See, a play highlighting African American history from slavery to the 2008 presidential election of Barack Obama. More info

The Skin Fashion Show Hosted by Dutchess Lattimore & PrettyninkFriday @ Mint Museum | 500 S Tryon St. | 7:30 p.m.
Welcome to The Skin Fashion Show, where Fresh Ink and new fashion hit the runway. 5 dope designers from all over the world come together to grace the runway with their hand-crafted designs. This show will be headlined by Project Runway designer Tasha of Von Ray. More info

All Black Affair: Winthrop HomecomingFriday @ Gantt Center | 551 S Tryon St. | 8 p.m.
ALL Black X! Back to Black for the 10th Anniversary of the the Winthrop Homecoming Event. Come dressed to impress in all BLACK! More info

Life As We Know It: Six Comedies About Modern Day MadnessFriday-Saturday @ C3 Lab | 2525 Distribution St. | Fri. & Sat 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Fayetteville Observer says “If SNL and Curb Your Enthusiasm had a lovechild, it would be ‘Life As We Know It.’” See this fun, yet thought-provoking six-part comedy. The show gleefully mocks social media addiction, cosmetic surgery obsession, celebrity worship. More info

Fall-In at Suite: Winthrop Homecoming & Scorpio SeasonFriday @ Suite (Epicentre) | 210 E Trade St. | 10 p.m.
Two of the area’s most formidable groups join forces again. Friday, November 17 at Suite in Epicentre join DJ Loui Vee for another EPIC party experience! The party begins at 10pm until 2am. FREE WITH RSVPs Before 11 p.m. More info

Dave East LiveFriday @ The Palace | 225 N Caldwell Rd. | 10 p.m.- 2 a.m.
Rapper Dave East, a Harlem-based MC who signed to Nas’ label Mass Appeal, will be performing live at the Palace Charlotte. East was also featured in the 2016 XXL Magazine annual “Freshman Class” feature. His latest album, Paranoia: A True Story, features collaborations with Nas, Jeezy, Wiz Khalifa, French Montana, and Chris Brown. More info

Best Damn Day PartySaturday @ Loft & Cellar | 305 W 4th St. | 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
The “BEST DAMN DAY PARTY” will be on Nov. 18 at Loft & Cellar. The Queen City edition of this day party will be the best party since Homecoming #BPSH. This event is in conjunction with “Battle of the Real HU” Day Party. Tickets are on sale $5-20 with RSVP. More info

Friends with Benefits: The First 48Saturday @ Fire House Bar and Lounge | 320 W Carson St. | 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Join Fire House on Saturday as they celebrate the birthday of Moxis Society co-founder Ron Tate in the second edition of their Friends with Benefits Day Party series. “The Blend King” DJ Shaun Nyce will be behind the turntables for this intimate affair. Enjoy some of the tasty dishes from the Fire House Food Truck as well as their great cocktails and hookah. Admission is free before 5:30 p.m. with RSVP. More info

UNC-Charlotte African NightSaturday @ Cone University Center McKnight Hall | 9025 University Rd. | 7 p.m.
The 2017 African Night is a cultural showcase of everything Africa. This year, the theme will be Scary Movie Africa! Join the Organization of African Studies and CAB for a night filled with dancing, skits, comedy, food, and much more. More info

Winthrop University Homecoming Step Show 2017Saturday @ Byrnes Auditorium | 1703 Memorial Circle, Rock Hill, SC | 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
The National Pan-Hellenic Council at Winthrop University Presents: Homecoming Step Show. Mr. Bankshot along with DJ Jay Jones will be hosting this event.. Teams from Winthrop will be stepping for the ultimate $1,000 prize! More info

Crystals After Dark Presents: Joseline HernandezSaturday @ Crystals After Dark | 3018 The Plaza | 10 p.m.
The Puerto Rican Princess from VH1’s Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta will be making an appearance at Crystals After Dark. Hernandez was discovered by Grammy Award-winning record producer Stevie J while performing at the Onyx Club in Atlanta. She has also had her own spin-offs and was a guest co-host on the syndicated talk show, The Real. More info

FOOD + DRINKS

Hissho Sushi Rolling ClassFriday @ Hissho University | 11949 Steele Creek Rd. | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Whether you’re an avid sushi fan, a home chef expending their repertoire or just looking for something unique to do with friends, you’ll find this class engaging and creative. Great for a date night, girls’/guys’ night out, team building or even a twist on birthday celebrations. More info

Charlotte Moonshine FestivalFriday @ Rooftop 210 | 210 E Trade St. #B320 | 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Shine On Charlotte! Rooftop 210, located on the third floor of the Epicentre, will host the 5th Annual Charlotte Moonshine Fest. The fest will feature different moonshine flavors, mixology, sampling and LIVE MUSIC!!! General admission will include unlimited samples. More info

Shake.Stir.Sip.Socialize: Holiday Cocktail ClassFriday @ Hygee Coworking West | 2128 Remount Rd. | 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Spice up your holiday entertaining with a seasonal twist on classic cocktails. This class will feature some classic holiday cocktails as well some new ideas using local, seasonal ingredients. You’ll then be given step-by-step instructions on how to create 3 of your own renditions of classic boozy concoctions so you can be the delight of these holiday nights. More info

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Qcitymetro is an independent online news source based in Charlotte, N.C. Our mission is to be the leading source of news, opinion and other information relevant to the region’s thriving African American community.